Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.
My family life and traditions, like others, have changed as children grow up. Since I am divorced and no children, my memories are from childhood to adulthood when life changes.
Growing up in metro Detroit, the Holidays were fun when I was young. Later, we moved to northern Michigan when Thanksgiving and Christmas changed. When I was in high school, my family drove down to Detroit on Thanksgiving Day to see the Detroit Lions play football. In my younger years, family came to our house in Detroit then my neighbors would go outside and play football thus the, “Turkey Bowl,” started which later local media told about the story of neighbors getting together for fun. As far as Christmas, every one was much like others until our move north. We did exchange of gifts to learn to give in a unique way although it was forced.
As I grew older, more independent and began seeing family members for who they truly are, I began to get weary of the pressure to attend family gatherings. Grateful that I didn’t participate one year and, after my move out of State, I stopped all together. The politics overruled the love. It seemed that going to church on Christmas Eve was more for appearance than the message of the birth of our Savior.
After I moved to Texas, I began to love the Holiday season again although my birthday falls on 12/21. Having peace and joy finally without the pressure. Being alone but not lonely. This past Holiday home with my cats was peaceful and joyful.
Final note: The Holidays aren’t easy for some. Listen to them and try to understand why.
Yours truly,
Leslie Elizabeth David.
The Magnificent Modern Mature Woman 